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SYNOD COUNCIL MINUTES INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD, ELCA

NOVEMBER 15, 16, 2013 SYNOD OFFICE, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

ATTENDANCE

Officers: Bishop Gafkjen, Vice-President Ted Miller, Secretary Judy Bush, Clergy: Pastors Mark Havel, Jerald Mielke (Friday), Wendy Piano, Ron Poisel, and Pamela Thiede Laity: Connie Esposito, Pattiann Mikesell, Danielle Nuss, Morgan Puckett, Paul Trickel, Nancy Walter Staff: Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Rudy Mueller and Director of Communications Danielle Burrus, Synod Attorney: Josh Tatum Auxiliary Representative: Lois Noel Churchwide Representative: Rev. Vicki Garber (Saturday) Absent: Treasurer Sue Miller, Tom Barker, Rita Betts, Elizabeth Gaskins, Gary Manning, Doug Marsh, Marilyn Saum, John Andrew Landschulz, and Pastors Tim Knauff, Tracy Paschke-Johannes, Jerald Mielke (Saturday), and Charles Strietelmeier, Assistants to the Bishop Pastors Carolyn Lesmeister and Heather Apel, and DEM Nancy Nyland

WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS, and DWELLING IN THE WORD

The executive committee met at 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2013, in the Chapel of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Office, 911 E. 86th St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240.

Vice-President Miller called the Synod Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Synod Office. He asked each person present to introduce himself, his/her position on council, the congregation in which he/she worships and belongs, and to share how they are seeing God at work in their lives. He thanked everyone for sharing. Bishop Gafkjen stated where absent synod staff were.

Bishop indicated that most of the discussion would be in small groups. He began with prayer. The Books of Acts is part 2 with Luke being part 1 and many scholars believe the two were written by the same author or team of authors. Apostle means sent one; where are they sent – into the world. Lutherans are “both and” rather than “either or”. The book is not called the wonderings of the Apostles or thoughts of the Apostles but the Acts of the Apostles. This is a book about action by the very first ones who have been captured by this “new thing”. He asked the group to break into groups of four and address the following questions: What is God’s mission in the world? How do the followers of Jesus respond? How does the religious establishment respond? What might God be saying to us through these stories today as leaders of God’s mission territory? Each group was asked to share their answers to the fourth question

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and what they learned from the text. In January the group will cover Acts 7-13. Bishop Bill shared a prayer from the ELW and recommended the prayers for armed services.

GOALS FOR THIS MEETING

PROPOSALS AND DISCUSSION REGARDING ROLES AND FUNCTION OF SYNOD COUNCIL AND ITS MEMBERS

Vice President Miller reported that the executive committee discussed how Synod Council members could report on their individual conferences. He asked for comments about that idea. Some of the thinking is that it would be similar to a mission field report and might include answers to the following: who are the congregations and what are challenges and opportunities in the conference. Individuals might discuss the topics with the dean of the conference. This is a call to become familiar with our mission territories. Conference sharing and reporting of their area was discussed. The reporting could be spread throughout a weekend Synod Council meeting and throughout the year. Individuals expressed that it would be good to see what is happening in the synod. The group was generally positive with the concept. It would be important to pray for the conference also. The following conference lay representatives volunteered to give their reports in January: East Kentucky, Northwest Indiana, and North Central.

The use of the dropbox was discussed. The executive committee is recommending that the reports and the agenda be available in the dropbox no later than a week before the Synod Council meeting. Another recommendation was to have fellowship after the Friday meeting and that members bring snacks to share during that fellowship time.

During the September 2013 Synod Council meeting the group decided that the council would focus on the third adopted priority – to deepen and broaden collaboration and communication during our meetings and between meetings. The role of clergy members of the Synod Council in terms of communication and collaboration was discussed. The discussion focused on the role of the at-large members of the council, not only clergy members. Comments that were offered in the discussion include the following: they should be supportive of the council as equal members with those who represent geographic areas, each comes with a different perspective with clergy and laity working together and listening to one another and their perspectives, having contact with other clergy to serve as a conduit to share with other clergy, perhaps have clergy visit other ministeriums without a clergy representative on council, publicize that these are not closed meetings, could use Skype or other electronic means of communicating (being good stewards of time and resources), could deans be given notes of council activities, be cheerleaders, advocates and well speakers of the synod, deans are looking at how they can function differently as they are adjunct synod staff, should there be a time when conference deans and vice presidents meet with Synod Council, recruit someone from conference to be nominated for clergy position, and provide spiritual direction and guidance for council.

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Vice President Miller reviewed the agenda for Saturday. Pastor Vicki Garber will bring more information regarding the churchwide campaign. Bishop encouraged everyone to review the survey questions which will be discussed on Saturday. Ted and Josh will share their time at the San Francisco conference. Bishop noted that there is an additional clergy request for on leave from call.

EVENING PRAYER

Pastor Ron Poisel and Morgan Puckett led the Holden Evening Prayer service. Pastor Poisel provided guitar accompaniment.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2013

EUCHARIST

Following breakfast Vice-President Miller called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. Pastor Poisel and Morgan Puckett led worship including Holy Communion. The service began with the singing “Canticle of the Turning”. Pastor Poisel read from Isaiah 22 and shared a message of hope as we approach Advent. It was a word of hope in a very dark and desperate time and Jesus lived out the prophesy of hope. The group also sang ‘We Are Called” and celebrated Eucharist.

BUSINESS OF THE SYNOD COUNCIL

DISCUSSION OF THE ELCA CAMPAIGN

Beginning by referring to the “Campaign of the ELCA Proposal” brochure Bishop Gafkjen led a discussion of the campaign. There were two additional items that were added at churchwide assembly that are not reflected in the printed materials – $4 million for Ministry for Youth and $4 million for Ministry for those with Disabilities. The group viewed the video, “Always Being Made New” and responded to it as follows: “We can do more, can grow, be more powerful, intensely relational, opening and broadening relationships.” The campaign is expected to be fully launched by 2015. It is planned that synod leadership will not be doing fund raising. We should believe that churchwide ministry is ministry for all, not separate from congregation and synod support.

Additional discussion included the following comments:

Someone asked, “What was the origin of this campaign.” The campaign arose out of 25th ELCA anniversary and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. There is the concern that the church is not able to fund the mission and ministry of the church adequately. The focus is on “What is God calling us to do?”

There is a concern about support for Campus Ministry. The campaign amounts to $16 per member so it is not astronomical. But how do we get the message across to the individual in the pew. It is a top down message which makes it difficult. It will be a really

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tough sell. Many congregations are experiencing declines in giving and requests for disaster responses and other needs so there are so many demands for limited resources.

A question proposed was, “Can it be a commitment to synods by congregations and the synods allocate to the campaign, so that each congregation supports mission support through their stewardship efforts.” It may come through donors giving to designated areas so it may come as a combination of efforts. It is a five year campaign.

The hope is that the focus is on mission. Ministers have been trained to be shepherds and not evangelists.

The council provided responses to the “ELCA Campaign Questions for Synod Council”.

1. Which components of the Campaign for the ELCA do you think will get traction in your synod? Campus Ministry Hunger Disaster Response Renewing Congregations is not a good term, but is it a matter of the age of

parishioners in congregations currently. How do we target and evangelize millennials; we need to train individuals to target those people.

Many would need the help to renew their congregation. The training should be available to all but is available to mission developers specifically, so how does the mission of renewing congregations affect all.

Does it all boil down to discipleship. Are we talking about a change in what it means to be the church today – which is

about renewal. 2. What thoughts do you have about how the goals of the campaign might take shape in

your synod? A way to do it is to focus on personal stories regarding specific aspects of the

campaign. Focus on specific aspects at the synod assembly with regard to offerings It should be a stewardship focus and not a focus on money, perhaps a look at life

style. It can be a teaching opportunity. Individual fund raisers are an opportunity.

REPORT FROM ELCA CHURCH COUNCIL

Pastor Vicki Garber is a member of the Church Council. The Churchwide Council had its first meeting with Bishop Eaton. I-K Synod is one of best providers to the church, one of the most responsive. Some of the new data regarding the potential for declining membership and the reduced giving that may stem from it may affect Churchwide negatively. People are engaged in how the money that will be raised is used and directed in the five year campaign. Particular attention is being paid to including the voices of youth, young adults and those who are otherwise abled. The Council authorized a working group looking at how reorganization of families should be addressed. They authorized a message on violence. They reaffirmed a

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greater connection between Churchwide Council members and the areas they represent. Pastor Vicki laughed that she was elected as the vice chair of the finance committee. She reported that it is a remarkable thing to be connected with churchwide. The work of churchwide is done with a skeleton crew for what has to be done and they do it without complaint. Pastor Vicki stated that it is a very exciting time to be in the church; she sees the hand of God at work.

PAYDAY LENDING FROM SYNOD COMMUNITY ORGANIZING RESOURCE AND EDUCATION TEAM (CORE)

Nancy Walter, a member of the team, distributed payday lending materials that Danielle has been using in her communications. They will focus on what congregations can do and will focus on holiday lending and distribute flyers where vulnerable folks will be during the holiday season. Some of the materials she distributed were colorful, holiday season door hangers, bulletin inserts and quarter sheet handouts. They encourage congregations to use the study materials. The long range goals are for Kentucky to have pertinent legislation in 2014, and for Indiana to have pertinent legislation in 2015. They have had meeting with allies who can help with the legislative fight. It is slow going but other bishops are interested in helping. She asked that Synod Council members be advocates in spreading awareness and take every opportunity to talk about it.

PRESENTATION OF AND INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN MARK HANSON FUND FOR LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP

Bishop Gafkjen reported that the Conference of Bishops has decided to try to establish a fund for leaders, recognizing Bishop Hanson and his wife. The intent is to award scholarships to outstanding students who are making a difference in the world, many have been Young Adults in Global Mission young people. It would be only $500 per synod to start the fund and get the minimum of $25,000 for the Mark and Ione Hanson Scholarship Fund. The group thought it would be a good idea to publicize it the Wednesday synod news that Danielle publishes. Gifts need to be made by the end of the year.

REPORT AND ACTIONS FROM THE SECRETARY AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Secretary Bush referred for consideration the previously distributed draft minutes of the September Synod Council meeting. It was moved, seconded and the synod council

VOTED: SC/2013/68: that the minutes of the September 13-14, 2013, Synod Council meeting, pages 2024-2042 be approved.

Secretary Bush reported that Doug Marsh had submitted his resignation from the Synod Council to allow him time to accept a “ ‘call’ by his pastor at Resurrection in Fort Wayne to lead a team of disciples into broadening our stewardship initiatives.” She will contact the Northeast conference dean, Pastor Jim Cress, to have the conference recommend another lay male delegate from the Northeast conference.

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There are three changes to the synod constitution that the executive committee has reviewed and is submitting to the Synod Council for action. Congregations of the synod must be given notice of proposed changes to the Synod Constitution six months prior to the next regular Synod Assembly which means that any proposed change must be sent to congregations by December 5, 2013. Two of the changes are non mandatory changes that were made to synod constitutions. S7.23. and S7.26. are the constitutional items that would be changed as indicated:

S7.23. The presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and such other official representatives of this church as may be designated from time to time by the Church Council shall also have voice but not vote in the meetings of the Synod Assembly. Like privileges shall be accorded to those additional persons whom the Synod Assembly or the Synod Council shall from time to time designate.

S7.26. This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council that permit representatives of mission settings formed with the intent of becoming recognized congregations under development and authorized worshiping communities of the synod, which have been authorized under ELCA bylaw 10.02.03., to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with †S7.21.

Upon discussion Pastor Pamela Thiede moved and Morgan Puckett seconded and the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/69: that the proposed changes to the Synod Constitution S7.23. and S7.26. be recommended to the 2014 Synod Assembly for adoption.

Since the 2013 Churchwide Assembly modified the Model Congregational Constitution regarding the 120 day notification date from the synod regarding changes to congregational constitutions, it is recommended that the Synod Constitution S13.03. be modified as follow:

S13.03. The governing documents of congregations recognized at the establishment of this church shall continue to govern such congregations. When such a congregation wishes to amend a particular provision of its governing documents, the provision so amended shall must be consistent with the governing documents of this church.

a. All proposed changes in the constitution of incorporation documents of a congregation shall will be referred to the Synod Council. The Synod Council shall must approve or disapprove of the proposed changes within 120 days of receipt thereof, and shall must notify the congregation of its decision; in the absence of a decision, the changes shall go into effect.

b. The synod shall should recognize that congregations may organize themselves in a manner which they deem most appropriate and that there are a variety of ways in which the required elements may be stated.

c. The synod will develop, maintain, and make available criteria on which the Synod Council will evaluate congregations’ constitutions.

After discussion Connie Esposito moved and Paul Trickel seconded and the Synod Council

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VOTED: SC/2013/70: that the proposed changes to the Synod Constitution S13.03. be recommended to the 2014 Synod Assembly for adoption.

The council discussed how often congregations should review their constitutions. Whenever a congregation proposes a change to its constitution, the required sections of the most recently adopted Model Constitution for Congregations are effective and must be used without alteration amendment in any manner. Josh noted that he hopes to make the process more comfortable for congregations.

ROSTER CONCERNS, CONGREGATIONAL CONSTITUTIONS, OTHER ACTIONS

Attorney Josh Tatum reviewed the recommendation regarding the Come2Go Ministries constitution. After discussion the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/71: that the constitution for Come2Go Ministries be conditionally approved with attention to the reviewer’s recommendations and additionally to the recommended changes to the by-laws and format of the by-laws.

Bishop Gafkjen reported that the Conference of Bishops had approved issuing a non-stipendiary call to Barbara Finley, Diaconal Minister, to serve as Transitional Minister at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, South Bend. Non-stipendiary call means that the position will not be receiving compensation up to standards for the service provided. Nancy Walter moved and Pastor Pamela Thiede seconded and the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/72: that Barbara Finley, Diaconal Minister, be issued a non-stipendiary synod call to serve as Transitional Minister at Holy Trinity, South Bend, Indiana .

Paul Trickel moved and Morgan Puckett seconded the motion; and the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/73: that Pastor Christopher Duckworth, be issued a synod call to interim ministry at First Trinity, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Pastor Wendy Piano moved and Pattiann Mikesell seconded the motion; and the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/74: that Pastor Nancy Haupert be issued a synod call to specialized ministry as Bereavement Coordinator at Good Samaritan Hospice in Vincennes, Indiana.

Pastor Mark Havel moved and Pastor Ron Poisel seconded the motion. The Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/75: that Pastor Teri Ditslear be issued a synod call to specialized ministry as mission developer at Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Noblesville, Indiana.

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There were three pastors who had requested on leave from call status. Pastor Pamela Thiede moved, Morgan Puckett seconded the motion and Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/76: that on leave from call status be continued for Pastor Justin Baxter for a third year.

Connie Esposito moved, Paul Trickel seconded the motion and the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/77: that on leave from call status be granted to Pastor Miltoria A. Bey Sangobiyi for a first year.

Pastor Pamela Thiede moved, Paul Trickel seconded the motion and the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/78: that on leave from call status be granted to Pastor Teal Anderson for a first year.

REPORTS AND ACTIONS FROM TREASURER AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Finance Chair Paul Trickel reported on behalf of Treasurer Sue Miller who could not be present. The report is attached. Mission support at the end of October is about 58% of budget compared to 62% of budget last year. Operating cash and net cash are in good position at this time, operating bottom line is currently at $33,318 positive based on revenue versus expenditures. Endowment earnings have done really well with endowment now at $4 million, and it is $1 million over Historic Gift Value.

The Finance Committee is recommending that the funds from the Schreck estate be used for scholarships, particularly since Pastor Schreck was interested in leadership development. The family would like the synod to use the money however it sees best. After discussion the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/79: that the Schreck estate funds be used for scholarships for leadership development classes at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana, providing about half the cost of the courses.

PRAYER AT MID-DAY

At 11:55 Pastor Ron Poisel led a prayer using Psalm 100. The group recessed for lunch at noon.

BUSINESS OF THE SYNOD COUNCIL CONT’D The meeting resumed at 12:30 p.m. There was another recommendation from the Executive

Committee. The recommendation is to change the ACCOUNTABLE EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT PLAN FOR THE INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA, which is the synod’s “ accountable plan” for employee business expense reimbursements. The recommendation is to change item 10. Spouse Entertaining and Travel as follows: “(ii) the accompanying spouse’s travel is for a bona fide

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business purpose, and/or (iii)” [insertion of ‘/or’]. It was explained that a bishop spouse is expected to accompany the spouse at the Bishop’s Academy. After discussion the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/80: that the I-K Synod Accountable Expense Reimbursement Plan be changed as follows: 10. Spouse Entertaining and Travel. An employee generally cannot deduct the cost of entertainment for his or her spouse or for the spouse of the individual being entertained. However, if there is a clear business, rather than a personal or social purpose, to include spouse(s) these entertainment expenses may be reimbursed. Travel expenses incurred by a spouse, or other individual accompanying an employee, are not authorized business expenses unless (i) the accompanying spouse is a bona fide employee of the Synod, (ii) the accompanying spouse’s travel is for a bona fide business purpose, and/or (iii) the expenses otherwise would be deductible for Federal income tax purposes by the accompanying spouse.

A companion recommendation was to designate $750 of Bishop’s travel expenditure budget item be designated for his wife’s travel expenses for the Bishop’s Academy in January 2014. After discussion the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/81: that $750 of the budget item for Bishop’s travel expenditure be designated for Bishop’s wife’s travel expenses to the Bishop Academy in January 2014.

The Campus Ministry Committee has asked Synod Council to affirm the committee’s action regarding fundraising practices. Pastor Pamela Thiede moved that the committee action be affirmed and Morgan Puckett seconded the motion. After discussion the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/82: to affirm the action of the Campus Ministry Committee that mission partnerships will be respected; there will be no conference restrictions on fundraising for support of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Campus Ministries.

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Vice president Miller reported that he had attended the ELCA attorney conference for church leaders in San Francisco. He stated that it was an excellent conference for him and that he renewed a lot of acquaintances from over the years of his work in the church. He and Attorney Josh Tatum attended. The region 6 steering committee will be December 13 in Angola, Indiana, and he is looking forward to that meeting.

BISHOP’S REPORT

Bishop Gafkjen began his report by discussing the work that Attorney Josh Tatum is doing. He is working on rewriting the policy handbook as part of his retainer; the work that he does on constitutions is voluntary. He will do up to one-half hour consultation with congregations. All of the attorneys at the firm may be called upon at Josh’s discretion for areas with more expertise

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in a particular area or for someone on the bar in Kentucky.

All over the globe preparations are beginning for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and he has asked Rob Saler to work on that project. He would like the emphasis to be on sharing the ministry throughout the world—the emphasis needs to be world communion with others. There is a need to grow into discipleship, sharing resources, and increased communication.

Danielle Burrus, Liz and Terry Michael, Pastor Bimen Limbong, and Bishop Gafkjen will be going to HKBP to renew our relationship. They will be leaving on Thanksgiving morning. They would appreciate prayers as they travel.

Bishop Gafkjen is scheduled for a sabbatical leave in 2014. He discussed his proposed plans for sabbatical. He would like to split the three months of sabbatical leave over two years with five weeks in late June and early July 2014. The remaining time will be in June and July 2015. The focus in 2014 will be to center upon, “How might this leader, this bishop, more faithfully focus on living in the Spirit and following Jesus in the world and cultivate other leaders and communities in that same journey?” In 2014 he would spend a week in Princeton and time in Fresno, California. In 2015 he will have time away to discern if he will be open to another bishop election process. Pastor Ron Poisel moved affirmation of the Bishop’s Sabbatical plan and Paul Trickel seconded that motion. The Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/83: to affirm Bishop Gafkjen’s plan for a sabbatical during 2014 and 2015.

Bishop Gafkjen reported that the staff used some of the Portico funds to engage in examination of strengths and gifts in relationship to working with each other. The exercise was entitled Strengths Based Leadership. That exercise is helping to reconfigure staff responsibilities.

He shared that Lay Worship Leader information is in the Dropbox and asked individuals to review the information for the January meeting. He will be putting a recommendation regarding a Lay Worship Leader proposal in the Dropbox.

Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Rudy Mueller noted changes in pastoral assignments in his report. He also asked the Synod Council to make a committee appointment. The Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/84: to appoint Pastor Matthew Converse, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Columbia City, Indiana, to the Leadership Support Committee.

On behalf of Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Heather Apel, Bishop Gafkjen reported the Indiana-Kentucky Synod staff suggestions regarding offering designations during the 2014 Synod Assembly. The opening worship offering has generally been used for a synod ministry

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and the sending worship offering has been dedicated to a Churchwide ministry. After Bishop Gafkjen presented the recommendations for approval, the Synod Council

VOTED: SC/2013/85: to designate the offerings for the worship sessions during the 2014 Synod Assembly as follows: Gathering Eucharist to the two new mission starts in the Indianapolis Conference (Cross of Life, Noblesville and Community of the Living Spirit, Indianapolis) and Sending Eucharist to the ELCA Malaria Campaign.

REPORT FROM IK WOMEN OF THE ELCA

Lois Noel is the new president of the IK Women of the ELCA and this was the first meeting she had attended. She reported that she was glad to be present and appreciated the opportunity to report to the Synod Council.

SYNOD COMMITTEE, SYNOD TASK GROUP & SYNOD-RELATED GROUP REPORTS

Paul Trickel has volunteered to review the reports and report on them to the Synod Council. He extrapolates needs and action items from groups and tracks who is responsible for those action items. Here is his summary of those reports:

Contact person: Linda Witte Henke Group Name: IN-KY Synod Worship Committee Joy: We are gratified to have been able to extend the scope of the Worship Committee’s ministry to include a variety of initiatives that empower, equip and encourage the worship and service of people throughout the IN-KY Synod. Not surprisingly, the broadened scope has resulted in a few challenges, including the ongoing need to identify funding support for the committee’s initiatives and to exact increasing investments form a small circle of active committee members. Requests - We welcome the Synod Councils’ feedback and are grateful for its prayer support.

Contact Person: Mike Crawford Group Name _I/K Campus Ministry Committee Joy or concern - We continue to realize the importance of the support, physical and spiritual, that comes to campus ministry from the different expressions of the Church. We are grateful for that support and want those different expressions of Church to know that we are aware of and pursue our joyful responsibility to make Christ known in our university communities. Requests - The Campus Ministry Committee moved to make the following changes regarding commonly held practices around fundraising: “Nancy Enzweiler moved that mission partnerships will be respected; there will be no conference restrictions on fundraising for support of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Campus Ministries. The motion was seconded by David Fleener.” Motion passed. We ask the Synod Council to affirm this action.

Contact Person Rev. Paul W. Meier Group Name I-K Synod Malaria Campaign Joy or concern - The I-K Synod has contributed $155,544 to the ELCA Malaria Campaign as of Nov. 1, 2013. Contact Person Rev. David M. Doane Group Name Leadership Support Committee Joy or concern - The evaluations from the event indicated that some participants felt frustrated

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during “free time” due to unfamiliarity with other participants or the area. We intend to be more intentional in breaking barriers and helping all participants to feel included. Requests - Several of our committee members have resigned due to health reasons or other commitments. We are in need of faithful, insightful and committed new committee members. Your suggestions are welcomed. Your prayers are coveted. Contact Person: Julie Schuessler Peralta Group Name: Candidacy Committee Joy or concern - Candidacy continues to be evolving. Conversations and consultations are taking place across the church about the candidacy process in the ELCA. Requests - Continued prayers on behalf of the candidates in our mission territory as they continue discerning God’s call. This weekend the Candidacy Committee is meeting and will conduct 4 entrance panels, 8 approval panels, discussing & voting on 3 endorsement decisions, and 3 renewal-re-approvals. Rudolph W Mueller Assistant to the Bishop Joy or concern -

Enjoyed September sabbatical day and October vacation time. Was pleased to have almost 100 folks at Worshipfest. I like area strategy approach when talking with leadership at vacant congregations.

Requests - Appoint Matt Converse to Leadership Support Committee

Contact Person: Rev. Carolyn Lesmeister Role/Title: Assistant to the Bishop for Young Adult Ministries and Christian Faith Practices Joy or concern - Having local board members participate in the Ignite! quad review from “the other side of the table” was a wonderful experience. They were able to gain a much more holistic picture of the ministry and its potential and immediately started to dream and vision what it could look like in the future. The Spirit was definitely moving! Requests - Continued prayers for all of the above would be most welcome! Name Heather Apel Role/Title Assistant to the Bishop: Candidacy, Synod Assembly, Freed to Lead Joy or concern -

Please pray for the 8 candidates who will be coming to the Nov. candidacy committee meeting to seek the final step of candidacy: approval; as well as 4 people who will be seeking entrance into candidacy through a panel with the committee. Requests -

The IK Synod staff has made the following suggestions for 2014 Synod Assembly worship offering designations, and asks for the Synod Council’s approval. The opening worship offering has generally been used for a synod ministry, and the sending worship offering has been dedicated to a Churchwide or global ministry:

o Gathering Eucharist – 2 new mission starts in Indianapolis Conference (Cross of Life, Noblesville and Community of the Living Spirit, Indianapolis) o Sending Eucharist – ELCA Malaria Campaign

Contact Person: Danielle Burrus Group Name: I-K Synod Communications Joy or concern - I appreciate being able to attend the program staff meetings. In doing so, I learn much about the ministry of each staff person and can find ways to support her/him through

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communication work. My attendance at these meetings also puts our territory's work into context as the staff encounters and embraces various changes. Contact Person: Pastor Nancy Nyland Director for Evangelical Mission - IK Synod Joy or concern - The Holy Spirit continues to delight and surprise me and fill me with hope. The Spirit is at work throughout our mission territory in so many ways….. New starts Redevelopments Culturally diverse ministry opportunities Congregations catching the spirit of renewal Leaders serving with hope and vitality As work with the CSM Renewal Team to learn more about renewal

Requests - Please continue to pray for safe travels for me as I travel around the IK Synod and around the ELCA.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Synod Council moved into executive session with only voting members present. The purpose of the session was to discuss Personnel and Staffing.

CLARIFICATION OF COUNCIL MEMBER TASKS BETWEEN MEETINGS

Action Item Responsible Individual(s)

Due Date

Read Acts Chapter 7 through 13 All Council Members Jan Council Mtg

Conference Report – sharing NW IN (Nancy), NC IN (Patti) and E KY (Paul) Conferences

Jan Council Mtg

Drop Box documents will need to be submitted at least a week prior to the Council mtg. All reports Jan Council

Mtg Post Friday night Council Meeting fellowship around

9 pm. Synod Council Jan Council Mtg

Use pay day lending materials within your mission territory. All Council Members Ongoing

Review Proposal Re: Lay Worship Leaders – Bishop to move to Council Drop Box All Council Members Jan Council

Mtg

Mission Monitor Nancy Walter Jan Council Mtg

Meeting Chaplain Pastor Pamela Thiede & Connie Esposito

Jan Council Mtg

Set up/clean up Tom Barker Jan Council Mtg

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REPORT OF MISSION MONITOR Mission monitor Morgan Puckett shared that there were several missional moments.

Specifically the discussion about Acts set the stage for the whole meeting. The Holden Evening prayer was missional. The campaign video and the discussion following the video also were missional – the video because it brought up particularly “a place that was dry is now planted”. Hearing that the payday lending effort is moving forward in a purposeful way was missional. The discussion during the executive session was also missional.

MEETING REVIEW

In answer to the question, “What was a high point for you?” were the following responses: Amazed at what the ELCA is doing in the larger church, amazed at the support around the table, appreciate presence and support, Bishop’s leadership strength, appreciated worship especially the canticle of turning, want to avoid rubber stamping but today felt more like a working body and a more active role, great discussion, realized that I don’t go off council for some time, I like that this is a safe place for sharing

In answer to the question, “What could have been done, or could be done, differently?” were the following responses: how did I get here, perhaps I should have printed out more information for new people, because there wasn’t much orientation of new members,

In answer to the question, “What do you take away from this meeting into your daily life? Really excited since she can use quotes from the video and other comments to use with our congregations

SENDING DEVOTIONS

Morgan Puckett offered a sending prayer.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:42 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted in His Service,

Judith A. Bush, Secretary

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Attachment A

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Attachment A